Sir

I am to acquaint you that last night His Majesty's Sloop Swan arrived at this place having a few days ago fallen in with the Dispencer Packet, bound to Boston, and taken out of her the Dispatches for General Howe and me; all which I have received and caused to be delivered; and am particularly to acknowledge the receipt of their Lordships Order of the 29th March, wherein they are pleased to inform me that "it is intended Lord Viscount [Richard] Howe should proceed to the Course of last Month to take upon him the Chief Command of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed and to be employed in North America, and on his Lordships arrival to put myself under his Command and follow his Orders for my further proceedings, " in answer to which I beg leave to acquaint you for their Lordships information that I shall with great Chearfulness resign that Command to his Lordship in the consciousness of having discharged my Duty with Fidelity to His Majesty, and with the Diligence and attention the importance of the Service required during the short Period in which I had the honor of being entrusted with it.

The Evacuation of the Town and Harbour of Boston by the Fleet and Army I find was not known to their Lordships at the time their Orders were dated, and I presume they will see by my Letters that all proper measures were taken on that event taking place; I shall now consult with the General what further steps are necessary to be taken previous to, and respecting the Arrival of Lord Howe with the great reinforcement of British and Foreign Troops proceeding with His Lordship to America, and act comformable thereto, and I hope to their Lordships approbation. I am Sir, [&c.]